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New Jersey Considers Statewide Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
Bill S623 aims to phase out two-stroke and four-stroke gas blowers by 2030 to reduce emissions and noise pollution
Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:20am
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The New Jersey state legislature is considering a new bill, S623, that would phase out the use of gas-powered leaf blowers across the state. The bill proposes a two-year ban on the sale of two-stroke gas blowers, followed by a four-year ban on the use of both two-stroke and four-stroke gas blowers in residential areas. The legislation also offers tax credits to help businesses transition to electric alternatives.
Why it matters
This bill is part of a growing trend of local and state-level restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers, which have been criticized for their high emissions and noise pollution. If passed, it would make New Jersey the latest state to take action on this issue, following the lead of towns like Maplewood, Montclair, Princeton, and West Orange that have already implemented their own bans.
The details
Under the proposed legislation, the sale of two-stroke gas-powered leaf blowers would be prohibited statewide two years after the bill becomes law. Four years after enactment, the use of both two-stroke and four-stroke gas blowers would be banned in all residential areas of New Jersey, with four-stroke models still allowed in non-residential zones during limited seasonal windows. To help businesses make the transition, the bill offers a tax credit covering up to 50% of the cost of purchasing electric replacements, including batteries and charging equipment.
- The bill, S623, was reintroduced in the New Jersey legislature on January 13, 2026.
- If passed, the sale of two-stroke gas-powered leaf blowers would be prohibited two years after the bill becomes law.
- Four years after enactment, the use of two-stroke and four-stroke gas blowers would be banned in residential areas, with four-stroke models still allowed in non-residential zones during limited seasonal windows from March 15 to May 15 and October 15 to December 15.
The players
S623
A bill introduced in the New Jersey legislature that would phase out the use of gas-powered leaf blowers across the state.
Senator Bob Smith
A Democratic senator from Piscataway who has been sponsoring versions of this leaf blower ban legislation for several years.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
What’s next
The bill has been referred to the Senate Environment and Energy Committee, and its fate remains uncertain as it moves through the legislative process.
The takeaway
This proposed statewide ban on gas-powered leaf blowers in New Jersey reflects a growing concern over the environmental and noise impacts of these machines, and the willingness of lawmakers to take action to address these issues. However, the transition to electric alternatives poses challenges for small landscaping businesses that will need to make significant investments to replace their equipment.
